Method and apparatus for the control of characteristic operating values of a power train

Abstract

A first characteristic operating value, for example the amount of transmissible clutch torque, in a motor vehicle power train with an engine is controlled by using at least a second characteristic value. The second characteristic value is subject to adaptation, if necessary, during an operating phase of the motor vehicle. The method steps are: starting the engine; and assuring that for a predetermined first time period after starting the engine, the first characteristic operating value is controlled independently of the second characteristic value, wherein the predetermined first time period depends on at least one predetermined third characteristic operating value.

1. A method of controlling a motor vehicle power train with an engine and a clutch comprising the steps of:
 controlling the engine in accordance with a predetermined warm-up characteristic; and 
 during a warm-up phase, controlling a transmissible clutch torque in a control mode that is independent of a touchpoint of the clutch that is adaptable during the control mode, 
 wherein the warm-up characteristic is controlled by monitoring a cooling fluid temperature of the engine. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , further including the step of:
 evaluating whether the cooling fluid temperature exceeds a predetermined first limit for the cooling fluid temperature. 
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 2 , wherein if the cooling fluid temperature exceeds the predetermined first limit, then the warm-up phase is terminated. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , further including the step of:
 evaluating whether the cooling fluid temperature exceeds a predetermined second limit for the cooling fluid temperature. 
 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 4 , wherein if the cooling fluid temperature is less than the predetermined second limit, the steps of controlling the engine, controlling the transmissible clutch torque and monitoring the cooling fluid temperature of the engine are repeated. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 4 , wherein if the cooling fluid temperature is greater than the predetermined second limit, an adaptation lock is terminated and from this point forward in time, the transmissible clutch torque is controlled dependent on the adaptable touchpoint of the clutch.